A theoretical approach to the deformation of honeycomb based composite materials

Honeycomb sheet is already widely used as a core in aeronautical sandwich construction. An alternative application is to use it as the reinforcing element for composites in which the cells of the honeycomb are filled with various materials. This paper presents the results of a study of such a composite, in which a low modulus infill is used. The work covers, in simple terms, the elastic properties of the unfilled sheet and the composite under in-plane direct loading and out-of-plane bending. The plastic deformation characteristics under in-plane direct loading are also considered. Specimen experimental results are presented, which show that the simple analytical approach used is clearly justifiable.